WOODBRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 12 -- A holiday tradition begins one week earlier this year as Amerada Hess Corporation prepares to launch the latest edition in the Hess Toy Truck collectible series. The Hess Toy Truck and Airplane will be available at Hess retail outlets on Friday, November 15 at 12:00 a.m. for $19.99 plus tax. For the first time ever, the Hess Toy Truck will feature a motorized airplane that will delight not only die-hard Hess Toy Truck fans but aviation aficionados as well.
"The 2002 model is reminiscent of a bygone and nostalgic era -- making it the perfect gift for young and old collectors alike," stated Carl Tursi, corporate spokesperson for Amerada Hess Corporation. "We believe the 2002 Hess Toy Truck and Airplane will be one of our fastest selling editions."
The 2002 Hess Toy Truck and Airplane features an 18-wheeler flat bed with working head and taillights and pull-out ramp. The airplane, modeled after the 1920's biplane, comes complete with motor and working propeller, lights, and a pilot outfitted with helmet and goggles seated in the cockpit. As always, the 2002 model will include Eveready Energizer(TM) Batteries.
Conceived as a thank you to loyal customers, the first Hess Toy Truck -- a tanker that could be filled with water and emptied through the delivery hose -- appeared at Christmastime in 1964. With this first truck, Hess founder Leon Hess issued a mandate that has prevailed throughout the years: the highest quality materials, attention to detail exacting, a low price, and batteries to be included always. Today Hess Toy Trucks capture nearly ten percent of the entire annual toy truck market, despite being sold exclusively at Hess retail outlets in a short time frame during the holiday season. The Hess Toy Truck sells out every year.
Hess retail outlets are located in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
